Your college future at UNH isn’t just about where you’ll live, learn and have fun – though those are obviously central to the experience. It’s also about engaging with big ideas, looking at the world from different perspectives and finding your spark. That’s why members of our Wildcat community suggest adding some only-at-UNH outdoor art to your campus visit this summer.
As you explore UNH, make sure to check out the public art at these five stops. Some pieces are tucked into courtyards and corners off the beaten track; others just require opening your eyes.
Stop #1: Paul Creative Arts Center (PCAC) Mural
The bright colors. The style. The contrast and complexity. The patterns. It’s hard to miss LatinX artist Michael Menchaca’s “Hope is a Discipline” on the exterior of the Paul Creative Arts Center. It’s steeped in myth and challenging historical narratives; it’s grounded in Menchaca’s point-of-view as an artist growing up at the edge of the country; it’s a missive of hope. Above all, it’s a piece that calls loudly for you to stop and look.
Stop #2: The Little Red Wagon
Located behind the PCAC
The Little Red Wagon is the longest running nonprofit touring children’s theater company in the U.S. – and the magic starts right here at UNH. Theater majors and enthusiasts alike audition to be part of this high-energy troupe that travels the state and region each summer performing for children. This sculpture of their namesake red wagon behind the PCAC highlights how treasured this theater-on-the-go experience is for both performing arts students and the greater community. The Little Red Wagon is hitting the road again this summer. Check out their schedule here.
Stop #3: The Cardinal
Located by Health & Wellness
Nesting beside Health & Wellness off Main Street is the impressive red “Cardinal,” a powder-coated steel, eight-foot-tall sculpture constructed by American artist Dale Rogers. This installation was meant to spark curiosity, enhance the campus grounds and remind people of the importance of the visual arts in their daily lives. It was only going to be here from 2015 to 2017, but we’re glad it stuck around!
Stop #4: Concord 101, Concord 102, and Concord 103
Located in the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics Courtyard
The courtyard outside Paul College is a beautiful, inspiring outdoor space beloved by Wildcats. Here, you will find three striking sculptures made by the late Michael McConnell, an associate professor of art and art history and eventual department chair who taught at UNH for 36 years. Titled “Concord 101, Concord 102, and Concord 103,” they are cor-ten steel pieces McConnell created by experimenting with geometric forms. There is also a beautiful stone labyrinth located in the courtyard, which is great to walk when you need a moment of mindfulness.
Stop #5: Wildcat Statue
Located off Main Street outside the Whittemore Center
During the 2006 Homecoming Weekend, UNH unveiled its newest symbol of Wildcat pride—a larger-than-life bronze statue installed next to Memorial Field. It’s hard to imagine this spot without the Wildcat statue designed by sculptor Matthew Gray Palmer. Don’t forget to pat the ‘cat on the nose for good luck!
Keep exploring
The UNH campus has so many opportunities to explore if you enjoy being immersed in the arts, including Eaton House, a special interest residence hall housing a community of students interested in music and the arts, 33 student-run arts organizations and 160 annual public performances and exhibits.
Don’t forget about the bustling nearby cities with amazing art museums such as the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Portland Museum of Art in Maine - and many more. The town of Durham public library offers UNH students free and discounted tickets to dozens of museums in the region. Learn more about the museum passes program here.
